Skin cancer awareness campaign – continuation of funding

With young Australians not taking the risk of skin cancer seriously, the current national education campaign on skin cancer is being extended and updated to provide them with a strong, factual warning about its dangers and preventative actions.

Why is this important?

More than 380,000 skin cancers are diagnosed in Australia each year, including more than 8,500 melanomas.

Despite the known dangers of sun exposure in causing skin cancers, research shows that many young people are complacent about sun protection measures.

Who will benefit?

The awareness campaign will be targeted to young Australians who are particularly at risk of developing skin cancer.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

The Government has committed $11.5 million over the next two years.

What have we done in the past?

The Government spent more than $7.0 million on the 2005-07 National Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign, which increased Australians’ awareness of the dangers of sun exposure. This measure will build on the successes of this campaign.